A life of disciplined isolation awaits him at special home

The juvenile accused in the horrific December 16 gang rape will now get a taste of ‘disciplined isolation’ like ‘other young criminals’, officers investigating the case said.

For the next 28 months, he will eat, sleep, breathe and possibly pray among the perpetrators of some of the most heinous crimes executed in the Capital.

“The difference between his stint at the observation home where he was lodged till now and a special home where he will serve the remainder of his custody will be institutionalised segregation,” said a senior police officer.

“He will only be allowed to interact with inmates falling in the category of heinous crime and kept away from younger inmates so that he is not in a position to influence or inspire them in any way.”

Earlier, at the observation home where he was shifted after allegedly having been attacked by other inmates, he was allowed to meet his family, his counsel and allowed an occasional phone call. This will now change.

“He will be made to follow a set routine and made to attend counselling sessions,” said another officer.However, senior police officers feel a small stint in such institutions is enough to transform a first-timer into a hardened criminal.“What is an observation or a reformation home except a prison for children,” asked an officer. “And everyone knows what happens in prison. New gangs are formed and amateurs are given adequate training by the veterans.”

“Now the most important step is rehabilitation that includes counselling and vocational training to help the minor re-integrate into society,” said a spokesperson of Save the Children.